Again, apologies if this question has been asked, for some reason the search function is just not compatible with my iPad.

Can anyone advise what is likely to happen if my visa doesn't arrive in time and I therefore can't get to Korea until a day or two after the stated start date on my contract, never mind. Few days before?

Contacted my recruiter, who replied "I believe your arrival date is all depends on paper work hope we could have you here on 28th" - his head is in the clouds as he's also told me the visa issuance number will be with me on 22nd, so it's pretty much an impossibility for me to be in Korea by 28th.

I was having issues w/ my visa too. Thankfully mine should arrive tomorrow. Just make sure you don't do anything w/o running it by your recruiter first. Mine said she could maybe get my entry date pushed back a few days as it was the Consulate's fault for the delay, not my own.
From my own experience, it seems it's better to just sit and wait and not do anything, even though that may be the hardest thing to do.

Thanks for the replies, would I get the dates changed on my contract once I arrive in Korea, or should that be done prior to departure?

It is a non-issue.

Relax and do things the right way. Get your E2. Enter on your E2 to activate your E2.

NOTHING happens on the first 2 days of the school year.
IF it is a public school you won't even have a class for the first week.
If it is a hagwon... they are used to minor delays when dealing with immigration, consulates and airlines.